Getting a Taste of MBA Life – Saturday Eats In the Strip District

deli

 

It’s not a secret.  Pittsburgh is an incredible food town.  Crowned Zagat’s top food of 2015, I was excited to see what Pittsburgh had to offer. It did not disappoint.

TL;DR version of the article:

Tepper MBA’s + Pittsburgh’s Food Scene

At the heart of the Steel City food scene is the Strip District, an old rail hub on the Allegheny River that is now home to specialty grocers, top-tier restaurants and quirky street food.  Hungry to explore – I joined the Tepper Culinary Club in a delicious break from Mini-1 classes. The trek was free for members and proved to be a tasty way to get to know my classmates better.

Stop 1: Peace, Love & Little Donuts

Pittsburgh’s Peace Love & Little Donuts

To start – the Culinary Club gathered in the second-floor space of Peace, Love & Little Donuts.  The name here is pretty self-explanatory, as we huddled together around boxes of “mini” donuts. What’s really special about this spot is the variety. From traditional glazed to Lucky Charms inspired flavors – there was something amazing to tempt anyone’s taste buds.

 

 

 

 

Stop 2: Chicken Latino

Chicken Latino

Chicken Latino – A Peruvian Delight

After breakfast, we went directly to lunch! Walking past the very trendy Smallman Galley and Pittsburgh Favorite – Pamela’s Diner, we stepped across the street and entered Chicken Latino – a Peruvian chicken joint. Here, we were seated around 2 tables and had some space to stretch out, enjoying deliciously tender chicken.  Close your eyes and you’re in Lima.

 

 

 

 

Stop 3: Let’s Taco Bout It

Taco

A taco from La Palapa

Around the corner from Chicken Latino is La Palapa, a taco stand that is an absolute must.  Feeling (slightly) full already, we were treated to one of Pittsburgh’s best tacos. The only disappointment? They were sold out of pork belly… guess I’ll just have to go back.

 

 

 

 

Stop 4: Take Me To The Candy Shop

Big League Chew

A Childhood Favorite of Mine

What washes down tacos?  Candy. And lots of it. We stopped into Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – a Halloween Dream with an UNBELIEVABLE assortment of candy and homemade fudge.  The highlight for me was stumbling across Big League Chew – bubble gum from my little days I thought they’d stopped making years ago. Way to go, Grandpa Joe.

 

 

 

 

Stop 5: S&D Polish Deli

Pierogi

S&D Polish Deli’s Pierogi

Pierogi? Yes, Please.  After stocking up on candy we stumbled into S&D Polish Deli, a neighborhood favorite slicing up brats and serving fresh perogies daily.  S&D doesn’t just make one pierogi – they have 15 different (delicious) flavors that just melt in your mouth. S&D is also a legitimate Polish grocer.  I’ll be back for some Kielbasa, for sure.

 

 

 

 

Stop 6: Lotus Food Company

Guava

A little Guava Juice From Lotus Food

With full stomachs – the club trekked to Lotus Food Company – Pittsburgh’s largest Asian Grocer. The store had a robust assortment of noodles, rice, fish, sauces and other delights.  While certain staples of Chinese cuisine might not be found in Shadyside – there was no shortage of rare/hard to find ingredients at Lotus. Parched from the day, we picked up some juice boxes.  Mmm… Guava!

 

 

 

 

Stop 7: Street Meat

Wings and Ribs

Wings & Ribs

One of the best parts of the strip district is the street vendors.  Lured by the smell of BBQ in the brisk fall air, we followed our noses and made room for some ribs.  We chatted with the grillmaster, who had the Steelers game set up on the sidewalk. Ribs + Pigskin make for a perfect fall day.

 

 

 

 

Stop 8: Enrico Biscotti

Biscotti

Finishing Up at Enrico Biscotti

All good things must come to an end, and 3 hours after Peace, Love & Little Donuts, the trek culminated at Enrico Biscotti.  They make biscotti the old fashioned way, with real butter and real ingredients. Like S&D’s pierogi’s – you could find multiple flavors of Enrico’s Biscotti.  I settled on a chocolate peanut butter – and slowly rolled myself back home to Shadyside – where I fell victim to a well-deserved food coma.

 

Bryan Henkelman | MBA 2020
Latest posts by Bryan Henkelman | MBA 2020 (see all)
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *